ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN CERTAIN AREAS

HB 17 allows homeowners in New Mexico to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as small apartments or cottages on the same property as a primary residence, in residential zoning districts. The bill requires local governments to permit at least one ADU per residential lot without imposing owner-occupancy rules, extra fees, or more than one parking space per unit. It also permits multifamily housing (like duplexes) in commercial districts and areas near public transit stops or rail stations. ADUs must be independent living units with separate entrances, cooking, and sanitation facilities, and cannot exceed 1,000 square feet in size. This law aims to increase housing options by streamlining the process for adding secondary units to existing properties.